Merideth Lehman, M.Ed. CCLS, LPC

Owner/Director of Grace Counseling, LLC

Play Therapist in Training

Theraplay Level 1 trained

EMDR Basic Trained

Email:  [email protected]

Contact:  573-230-9088

Merideth became owner and director of Grace Counseling, LLC in September 2020.  In 2017, Merideth began working as a professional counselor here at Grace Counseling, LLC while I continued her passion of being a Child Life Specialist at a children’s hospital.  Nancy Hoey, the prior owner of Grace Counseling, built a space with so much love and compassion for anyone who needed a space for healing.  Merideth is honored to continue to provide such a warm, safe and caring space and provide services to children, teens, adults and families on a full-time basis.  Merideth is continuing her education to become a registered play therapist.  Becoming a registered play therapist requires an additional 150 hours of education and supervision through the professional organization Association for Play Therapy.  (www.apt.org) Merideth is currently trained in Child Centered Play Therapy, TheraPlay, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as have extensive training in child and family development, trauma, grief and working with children and families experiencing chronic illness.

Merideth received her master degree in Professional Counseling from Stephens College in 2013 and her bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Studies - Emphasis area Child Life Specialist from University of Missouri - Columbia in 1995.  Merideth has spent the last 30 years working with children, adults and families in a variety of settings.  Merideth has been a certified Child Life Specialist for 28 years helping children, teen and families cope with challenging situations they experience in the healthcare setting. 

Merideth works with children, teens and adults of all ages

Speciaity Areas:

• Play Therapy

• Trauma

• Grief

• Anxiety and Depression

• Parent Concerns

• Emotional Regulation/Behavior Management

• School Related Issues

• Life Transitions

• Chronic Illness

 

Diane Barnes, MSW, LCSW
[email protected]
573-353-2201

Diane completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Clinical Social Work at the University of Missouri - Columbia.  Diane has worked in the mental health field for 27 years and served populations involving children, families, adults, couples, and individuals.  Her work experience includes inpatient and outpatient settings.  Diane is a social worker who helps people in a genuine and compassionate manner. 

Specialties include:

• Play therapy

• Anxiety and depression

• Families and couples

• Trauma

• Eating disorders

• Substance Abuse

• Life adustment issues

• Counseling for older adults

Diane was born and raised in the central Missouri area.  Diane and her husband have one adult daughter and an amazing grandson.  She enjoys wood-working, mosaic tiling, and playing with her active grandson.

 

 

Shamon Williams, PLPC

It's been said that in life we find ourselves entering a storm, going through a storm or leaving a storm. Perhaps you may find yourself stuck in the storm, unable to get past the feelings of doubt, frustration and hopelessness. If you feel alone and have been struggling with sadness, irritability, inability to sleep, constant worry, fear of making the wrong decisions, struggling with your confidence or identity I may be the right counselor for you. My career path has included working with adolescents and adults that are dealing with life transitions including loss, divorce, illness, anxiety, depression, trauma leaving abusive relationships and the feelings of struggling through and unfulfilled life. 

 

With experience in private practice, mental health behavioral settings and more than 20 years of social work my philosophy of healing encompasses positive regard in a supportive environment, which embraces compassion, and goal setting while fostering confidence and resiliency in oneself. My treatment modalities incorporate an eclectic approach of mindfulness, motivational interviewing, person centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy systems as a method of challenging negative thought patterns and feeling more in control of your life. After your initial session you may very well very well feel a sense of calm and hope as we work together through your storm. 

 

As we identify what your best life or situation would look like you will find me to be supportive, genuine, compassionate, accepting and growth oriented as we challenge some of the belief systems and behaviors that have obstructed you from living a fulfilling life. 

 

 

 

 

Barbara J. Scott, CIT, NCC, MSCC, MAOM

Counselor in Training

[email protected]

573-222-0797

Barbara J. Scott, CIT, NCC, MSCC, MAOM, graduated from CMU with an MS in Clinical Counseling: a CACREP-accredited program. She also holds an MA in business management and a BA in English. She completed her practicum and internship at the Marriage and Family Counseling Center and is excited to join Grace Counseling, LLC, in Jefferson City on July 1, 2023.  A renaissance woman, her career has been deliberate and exciting: from ad agency to sales and marketing executive, college professor, executive coach, consultant, corporate trainer, and now individual, group, and couples’ counselor. Through it all, she’s also been a dedicated friend, foodie, reader, cyclist, yogi, meditator, thespian, and ceramic artist. 

Barbara’s therapy style is integrated and grounded in evidence-based (research-backed) therapies. She has received advanced training in couples/relationship therapies: Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT Externship & Core Skills) and the Gottman Method (Levels 1 & 2). She relies on CBT and M-CBT, EFIT, and 
EMDR (EMDRIA-educated) to assist clients struggling with anxiety, grief, depression, and trauma. Barbara is also a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator—a program designed to help newly engaged/married couples navigate potential relationship stressors. Her genuine care, compassion, openness, and curiosity spring from her gentle personality and vast life experiences.

Barbara is a life-long learner who is passionate about supporting clients as they work through their unique challenges and re-discover their strengths and resilience. Barbara’s love of supporting others on their journeys has been her life’s work and passion. She has years of experience helping others struggling with relationship issues, divorce, chronic stress/burnout, boundaries, communication issues, grief/loss, anxiety, change, fears/phobias, academic/career planning, leadership challenges, decision-making, or the overwhelm of Life. She can help you embrace and work on your anxiety or phobias, improve interpersonal communication, explore life transition struggles, and/or better understand and heal your relationships.

What would you like to work on, explore, or heal?  Let’s talk.  I’m here...

Let’s Talk About...

·       Anxiety (social & generalized)

·       Boundaries (setting & holding)

·       Career & Academic Transitions/Coaching/Planning

·       Communication & Interpersonal Skills

·       Couples (Marital & Pre-Marital Counseling)

·       Depression & Loneliness

·       Divorce (healing/support)

·       Emotional Abuse

·       Executive Coaching (leadership & skills)

·       Existential (meaningful life) Issues

·       Grief & Loss

·       Life Stages/Changes (teen to senior)

·       Panic Attacks

·       Phobias

·       PTSD/Trauma

·       Self-Awareness & Exploration

·       Self-Esteem & Confidence

 

Supervised by:

Angela G. Allphin, LPC, MSCC
License Number: 6605373537
Crossroads Counseling, LLC
600 W. Morrison, Box 6
Fayette, MO 65248
License # 2017025526